Napoli have reportedly dropped their price tag for Victor Osimhen following Manchester United’s decision surrounding the potential signing of Liam Delap.
Manchester United’s ongoing struggle to produce a consistent goal threat remains one of their most significant challenges.
Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes have been the only dependable scorers in recent years, with Rashford hitting 30 goals during the 2022/23 season.
However, Rashford is expected to depart following his loan at Aston Villa, and Fernandes has started to play in a deeper role under Rúben Amorim, leaving major question marks over United’s attacking options.
Rasmus Højlund has shown moments of promise but is still developing and may not be ready to lead the line consistently. Joshua Zirkzee, meanwhile, appears more suited to playing behind a traditional striker rather than being the primary frontman.
As the summer window approaches, United are actively exploring their options, and reports suggest that Victor Osimhen and Liam Delap are both among their leading targets to strengthen the forward line.
United’s recent Delap agreement
With United heavily focusing on signing a new striker this summer, various reports have claimed those within United have agreed on Delap as their priority striker target this summer.
The club has compiled a list of potential candidates for the position, with Delap reportedly rated higher than others like Napoli’s Osimhen, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.
The report also suggests that United are prepared to activate Delap’s £40 million release clause this summer, assuming the Tractor Boys are relegated from the Premier League, a situation that is becoming increasingly likely.
Further reports have since revealed that this release clause will lower to £30 million if Ipswich drop from the competition, making the potential signing an even more attractive bargain.
United’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, is reportedly a big admirer of Delap, having worked with him in Manchester City’s Academy before Wilcox moved to Southampton in January 2023.
Napoli drop Osimhen price tag
Following this report, it seems as if Napoli have dropped their demands for Osimhen this summer despite the £63 million clause in his contract.
Last week, football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Serie A side would be willing to negotiate a lower price with any club to make sure the Nigerian international is sold early in the window, as this would help them avoid a potential transfer saga that lasted until August.
Now, it has been reported by ESPN that the 26-year-old is available to sign for around £55.5 million, almost £8 million less than his release clause, with the player preferring a move to either Juventus or the Premier League this summer.
But it is also noted that with Osimhen demanding an excessive wage, United are leaning in the direction of Delap over Osimhen, although the latter still remains a transfer option on their striker shortlist.
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